Thursday, December 23, 2010

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Charter. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you are like me, you like to have control over what your kids watch and listen to on TV. I don't want Sophia to be "hooked" on the tube and unaware of the "family unit." We, in general, do not watch much TV. Sophia is allowed 30 minutes of Sid, Super Why, or Sesame Street once a day. Some days we are just too busy for TV. I personally DVR a few shows per week, but find most TV programs are full of "junk." (Ok, so I know Glee is a bit scandalous at times, but who doesn't love all the singing and dancing!)

The little television Sophia is allowed to watch I demand it to be educational programming with a side of "no commercials." I find some of the cable TV shows for Sophia's age just appalling and quite inappropriate for that age.

I have always wished for input and a choice in programming ... well, my wish has come true.

Charter Communications has recently launched a Mom's Panel on Facebook. Charter Moms cares about what mom's like you and me think about programming and entertainment for our precious little ones! The Charter Moms Panel wants to serve as a sounding board for mom's ideas. Who better than the people who are (for the most part) spending most of the hours/day in the home with their kids thinking about these things?

By "fanning/liking" the Charter Mom's Panel, you will be among the first to know about the new programs and services. Also, I was informed by the fact they have a Twitter Customer Service@UMatter2Charter if you have a question or a comment.

If you are curious like I, head on over to their Facebook page and join in on the panel discussion.

Note: Charter Communications, Inc. is a Fortune 500 company and the fourth-largest cable operator in the US. Due to their high status, they are privileged to provide advanced video, high-speed Internet, and telephone services to approximately 5.5 million residential and business customers in 27 states.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

I am always on the look out to find new pocket diapers to add to my stash! You guys know me, I *heart* my pocket diapers! They are always my go-to diaper that I can over stuff and count on to be leak free. I guess they should be leak free when I stuff 3-4 inserts in them huh? Ha!!

I came upon this website a few weeks ago and fell in love with this little picture!!! Doesn't this just melt a mommy's (or daddy's) heart?

Wendy over at Crunchy Angel has done an awesome job with her website and has some great "green" products for your every need!! She sells:

Included in her diaper section are Mommy's Touch Diapers (Pocket and AIO) and Budget Bottoms! Of course I gravitated towards the pocket diaper link and found the Mommy's Touch Hook and Loop pocket diaper! I have a friend that swears by Mommy's Touch, so I wanted to see what these were all about!!

Here are some great facts about the Mommy's Touch Diaper that I found awesome -- see my comments in the parenthesis!!!

Generous pocket opening for insert (it is VERY generous!)

Color Matched Touchtape on Front an Industry First! (blends right in)

Super Soft Non Irritating loop tape on Inside is inset so that no edges are exposed to the skin (very soft)

Crossover tabs for adjustability (sweetness!)

Top stitching for durability

Custom milled fleece keeps baby dry (super super soft)

Mini-gussets help hold in the messiest of messes (elastic is tight, which is awesome to prevent messes and leaks)

Waterproof outer layer in many colors and prints

Laundry tab is split to help it stay closed in the wash (my fav laundry tab of all my pockets!)

Easy Clean Opening allows for soiled insert to come out in the wash (another awesome perk)

Here is a great picture showing all the features ...

An excellent picture to help adjust to the smaller setting. I know it seems confusing, but when you get your dipe, you will quickly understand!

Here are a few pictures I took of the diaper ....

Check out the laundry tabs ... they close and stay closed to prevent dryer diaper chains! HA!

Ready to go on ...

Nice size insert and the biggest setting really will fit a bigger kid! Some
of the pockets really have a hard time stretching to fit 30+lbs! (Believe me, I know first hand! HA!)

A picture of both openings ... the bottom pocket is very large so the inserts are sure to come out in the laundry ... another perk ... you don't have to touch anything ... just toss into your diaper pail!

MY REVIEW: I have been really impressed with this pocket diaper. The fleece lining is so super soft (soft than most of my other pockets), which is really great for Sophia's sensitive bum! I love love love the giant holes for stuffing. Nothing is harder than fighting with multiple inserts at a time to get them in the diaper just right to prevent leaks. The larger holes allow for quick and easy stuffing! Since Sophia is too big for the smaller setting, I will be anxious to try it on the next baby in a few years (Lord-willing). The laundry tabs are my favorite of all the pocket diapers I own with velcro. They stay shut which is necessary to prevent diaper chains!! Each diaper only comes with 1 insert, which for Sophia, is not enough. Thankfully, I have enough inserts that I can put in another 1 or 2 for extra absorption. I know others don't have heavy wetters like mine, but it is something to consider when purchasing diapers! You gotta have extra inserts if you need optimal absorption!

Finally, the customer service at Crunchy Angel is WONDERFUL!! I am a big customer service person, so if I am not impressed with that, I have a hard time enjoying the products and recommending them to my faithful readers!!

I hope you will head over to Crunchy Angel and check out her products! I promise, you won't be disappointed by her excellent service and quality products!!

This giveaway is open to the U.S. and will end on Sunday January 9, 2011 at midnight. The winner will be drawn via random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be drawn. Please, no PO Boxes.

Disclaimer: I received this product free of charge. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not monetarily compensated for this review.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Did you know that Baltic amber is not a stone, but a fossilized tree resin? Did you know it could potentially give relief in 10-15 different medical conditions? Did you know amber releases "heating oils" (succinic acid) that are absorbed through the skin and then into the bloodstream? Did you know that succinate is a raw material and a catalyst in the Krebs Cycle which is one of our main sources of energy? During the Krebs Cycle, carbs, fats, and proteins are metabolized for energy.

Historically, Baltic Amber has been used in Europe as a natural and traditional remedy and curative for many ailments for centuries. Long ago it was considered one of the leading ‘medicines’ of its time. Baltic Amber is the most esteemed amber in the world, and the healing qualities of Baltic Amber make it unlike any other type of amber found in the world. When Baltic amber is worn on the skin, the skin’s warmth releases trace amounts of healing oils from the amber. These oils contain succinic acid and are absorbed into the skin.

Baltic Amber has some of the highest concentrations of Succinic Acid found in nature, and this is what makes it so special. Succinic Acid is a natural component of plant and animal tissues, and it's presence in the human body is beneficial in many ways.

Among other things, amber is a natural analgesic (pain reliever) and anti-inflammatory. When amber is worn on the skin, the warmth of the skin releases trace amounts of healing oils on the skin. Commonly known as "teething jewelry," Baltic amber has been a natural and traditional European remedy for teething discomfort for hundreds of years. To read more about the many benefits of Baltic amber, click here.

Our necklaces and bracelets are handcrafted and are made of authentic Baltic amber, the most esteemed type of amber in the world. The translucency of amber depends on the amount of air bubbles contained within a piece of amber and their distribution. Some believe the color is related to the type of tree source.

Succinic acid is the most beneficial component of the amber. It is scientifically accepted that the darkest colored amber generally contains less succinic acid than lighter colors. The more cloudy or opaque amber is, the more succinic acid it contains (and usually the more cloudy amber is the nearer to the color white it becomes).

The necklace fastens with a screw clasp, and the necklace cord is knotted in between each bead. Please be sure and measure for the length you need. For guidance on measuring, please click here:

I LOVE this Lemonade amber teething necklace! Sophia is getting in her 2nd year molars and constantly has her finger at the back of her mouth. It is so hard for me to get used to her hands in her mouth because she never really did as a baby. Each time she puts her hands in her mouth I think of all the nasty germs that are going with them. Sophia had this necklace on all day yesterday and didn't have her hands in her mouth once while wearing it. A huge accomplishment in my book!

Sophia LOVES wearing her necklace too! She keeps saying, "My necklace, pretty mama." Yes, I tell her, you are beautiful! What little girl doesn't want to hear that? HA! She has been pretty gentle with it and hasn't tried to put it in her mouth, but I am keeping a close eye on her. It is not advised for children to chew on it because the beads are "soft" and could break.

I also plan to recommend these necklaces/bracelets to a few friends and family members of mine that are in chronic pain. I would be very anxious to hear how it works on an adult. From the testimonials, it sounds like people of all ages and all chronic issues have had much relief from the Inspired By Finn Baltic amber products!

Finally, some tips to get the maximum therapeutic benefit from wearing the Baltic amber:- The amber must make direct and continuous contact with your skin. They should be tucked under the shirt, not worn on top.

- The amber should be worn as much as possible.

- The amber should be worn as close to the site of discomfort as possible.

- Choose a light color of amber for the highest amount of succinic acid and thus the greatest therapeutic benefit. The "milk and butter" color is considered to have the highest concentrations of succinic acid of all colors of amber.

- Also, I have read the most succinic acid resides in the raw form of the amber. Although the raw looks a little "rough" so we chose the semi-polished to get the max benefit.

Important Safety Notice:

- You need to supervise your child at all times while wearing the necklace.

- Amber necklaces are made for wearing not for chewing! Amber will crack and break under too much pressure.

- Teething jewelry should be removed when child is sleeping or unattended!

- This blog or the manufacturer is not responsible for any problems due to the misuse of this product.

This giveaway is open to the U.S. and will end on Tuesday Jan 4, 2011 at midnight. The winner will be drawn via random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be drawn. Please, no PO Boxes.

Disclaimer: I received this product free of charge. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not monetarily compensated for this review.

Most of you probably remember reading my most recent post on this bib and my frustrations with finding a quality BPA/PVC/Phthalate freebib that won't leak, break, or come off easy! After trying these dura-bibs (after a recommendation from a dear friend) and this bib I won't ever go back to standard bibs! I plan to garage sale or donate all other bibs in my stash!! :) It just makes me sick to think how clean some of Sophia's baby clothes COULD have been if I would have started with these bibs from the get-go! Oh well, we live and learn, right??

It is so easy to review these bibs b/c they just plain ROCK!! Have you ever had a bib that is so easy to clean off and hang to dry for the next meal? For you SAHM's, don't you feel like you are in the kitchen already long enough? 3 meals/day, 7 days/week? I know I was getting frustrated with the time it took to do little tasks! Thanks to these amazing bibs, just unsnap, wipe, and hang to dry for the next meal!

They unsnap and lay flat ...

This is one of her favorite bibs ... she calls it her "Twinkle, Twinkle Bib"
b/c she loves the song Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star!

As you can see the bib also snaps at the top, which is very important with a toddler (like mine) b/c she is always tugging on her bibs, trying to get them off! The 1 snap completely eliminates this problem. (Shhh... don't tell the kids we outsmarted them again. Hahaha!)

Laying flat ... check out all the snaps! :)

You can also see how large this bib is across the chest! This is one of my biggest needs ... a bib that covers her whole chest so the sides of her clothes aren't covered in white yogurt!

A good view of the wide-mouth catch-all pocket! :) Now that is a mouthful!

I wanted to snap a picture of the 4 snaps on each side! It is easy to snap together for a wide mouth,
but is flexible enough so it doesn't get in the way at the table!

Our pocket has snap closures. It it's the only bib on the market that has snap closures.These snaps allow you to easily open the pocket to clean the bib.

Free of phthalates, PVC, and BPA.

Machine washable.This is one of the best features.The design on the bib does not fade or crack when washed and dried.

A lifetime guarantee.Dex Baby stands by all of their products.

Fun designs.Artist Sally Huss has been commissioned to create some of our designs.Other designs not by Sally Huss include the Geo Bib, Bad to the Bib, Cool Baby Bib, and Big Mouth bibs.

In conclusion, we just LOVE these bibs! They are our go-to bib for travel, around the house, and just pretty much everywhere! My two favorite bibs: Dexbaby Dura and The Pelican Bib! The Pelican is great for around the house, but is a bit bulky to travel with, while the dex dura folds up quite nicely! Also, the dex dura is a bit cheaper than the Pelican! All in all, both are awesome bibs!! Just make sure you have at least 1 or 2 of these Dura bibs in your house to ease your feeding pains! :)

This giveaway is open to the U.S. and will end on Tuesday January 4, 2011 at midnight. The winner will be drawn via random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be drawn. Please, no PO Boxes.Disclaimer: I received this product free of charge. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not monetarily compensated for this review.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Most of you know about my struggles with diaper rashes. Sophia has the most sensitive skin of anyone I know of. Heck, she even broke out in a full body rash with Burt's Bee's All-Natural Baby Lotion. Can you believe it? Her bum is no exception and that just kills me at times! Ever since we have started "solid" food back at 5 months, it seems like we have at least 1 rash every month or more! I have tried everything under the sun! Seriously, everything! I usually am pretty good at deceifering the source of the rash, thus using my pharmacy knowledge to know what product is best to apply! This last rash, I have tried all my normal stand-by's and NOTHING has worked. You would think since we are in the heart of potty-learning her rashes would go away with all the "dry" time, but no... not this one.

Two days ago, I was FB chatting with Megs over at Cow Pattie Cloth Diapers seeking help on Sophia's latest rash. I had been putting prescription nystatin/triamcinolone cream on multiple times/day and it didn't help worth squat. Honestly, the rash looks just like yeast. Why wouldn't it work? I mean seriously, nystatin is one of the best topical anti-fungals out there! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Any who, one of her fans suggested I apply coconut oil multiple times a day. Each time Sophia peed on her little potty, we would "pat" dry with a cloth wipe and then apply this coconut oil! I have to tell you that after using it for two days, her rash has had significant improvement! I am just thrilled!!!!!!!! (I know it is crazy the satisfaction and joy that comes with healing a diaper rash! HA!) I also love it b/c it is a natural product and is not a drug!!

Here is what we purchased at Walmart in the HBC section for $10!

Everyone has also told me it is safe for cloth diapers and I don't need to use any fleece liners .... although, to be honest, I still get nervous when anything touches my cloth diapers, so I still use my liners!!

Here is an awesome article to check out .... It discusses the benefits coconut oil has on yeast ...

Here is my favorite excerpt (if you don't have time to read the whole article):

"In countries where coconuts are regularly consumed, candida occurrences are surprisingly low, as noted by Dr. Bruce Fife, a strong believer in the healing power of coconut oil. Although many people in these regions live in conditions that typically promote candida overgrowth, they rarely suffer from candida.

This is because coconut oil is high in both lauric acid and caprylic acid, which both have antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. These components of coconut oil target harmful bacteria but leave friendly bacteria alone, which helps balances the flora in the digestive system. They also kill off excess yeast and other fungal overgrowth in the body. Studies in Iceland and Nigeria show coconut oil is an effective agent for killing off candida yeast."
If you have a rash that just won't go away, I recommend trying this out ... or if you live close to me and would like to try a sample, just shoot me an email or comment on this post! I will hook you up!!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Hey Mamas!! Do you remember playing dress up as a little girl? I know I remember those days quite vividly! (Although, it seems like an eternity ago!)

I have noticed that Sophia has really begun to enjoy putting on other people's clothes (ie. my shoes, shirts, socks, etc). She has a cute little hat and matching purse she wears all the time! She goes to the "grocery store" (in our living room) with her purse so she can pay for her items.

I knew she would love any Disney Costume, but I had to choose a Princess Costume because she loves being a princess! Her Aunt Sarah has greeted her with "Hi Princess" from day one and now Sophia looks at me and says, "Hi Princess!" It just melts my heart!

I was actually really impressed with the costume when I took it out of the bag. You know how some costumes can be made ... cheap!! I felt like this costume was made out of great material. It isn't scratchy from the inside, which is another perk as most costumes are so uncomfortable when you put them on. The dress is actually pretty lightweight and easy to fold up for storage (although it will be in our toy chest for routine use)! The intricate designs on the dress are amazing and the glitter (for the most part) stays on the dress! The Cinderella Princess emblem is actually stitched on at the top of the dress, which is a nice feature. I don't have to worry about a certain someone pulling it off! The arms and the side of the dress "puff" out nicely to give the costume extra dimension.

You don't have to wait till Halloween to make an order, check out the Costume Super Center for all your "dress-up" needs! Other perks from ordering at the CSC include they have free size exchanges, free replacements on shipping errors and damaged goods, and free product exchanges!

If you have a little boy, which one of the Disney costumes would you choose?

Are you looking for activities for your kiddos this winter since you can't go outside to play? TODAY ONLY 12/14 you can go online here and get a 1 year subscription to Disney Family Fun for $2! See the link below for more details ... but make sure you enter the coupon code HOLIDAY3 before you pay with your credit card!! You will see the deal at the top of your page, to the right of the deal you will see, "I have a coupon code" in blue ... click there and type in HOLIDAY3! It should bring your total to $2!

With all of today's technology, we are starting to lose the feeling of human touch and interaction! We are texting our family members instead of talking to them face-to-face. We are on Facebook looking at friend’s pictures instead of inviting them to our house for play dates and meals! Our kids are watching DVD's and playing video games instead of playing outside (or inside) with their friends!!

Todd Moore saw technology was beginning to minimize family time, so he designed THE WOW TOWEL, with one overarching concept in mind: FAMILY TOGETHERNESS! Wouldn't you love a product that provided an easy way for family time? You don't have to live close to a beach to enjoy this product? We have been using it for over a week and have created some awesome family memories on it!

The WOW towel is the only beach blanket truly designed for families of all sizes and is currently the largest in the world. It includes a unique design so you can place your beach umbrella directly in the middle of the towel, which also offers four convenient large velcro pockets! The pockets are a great storage place for cell phones, MP3 players, and other items you need to keep out of the mind and the sun!

Sophia on the WOW towel!

You don’t need a beach to use the WOW towel … it is perfect for a lake front or picnic experience!

Velcro Pocket

Pocket laying flat

Well-designed hole for a beach umbrella!

The WOW towel is 7 ft 4 by 7 ft 2 (or about 50 sq ft)! You can fit 7+ people on this one massive beach towel! It takes up most of the space in my living room!! With its enormous size, you could technically fit 4 NBA plays on it without their feet hanging over! What a great visual huh?

In today’s current market, there are only 2 person towels out there and you barely can fit two people on them! The biggest size available is only 3 1/2 ft wide! Seems so small compared to the WOW towel, doesn’t it? The is the first large towel created with tall men (like my hottie hubby) in mind! Nate completely stretch out and not have to decide which body part will burn ... his head or his feet.

The WOW towel is made of terry-loop cotton, which increases absorbency while most towels these days are made of velour, which has minimal absorbency. It is also made in Malaysia, NOT in China.

Sophia just loves it! It provides a large, yet secure, defined space for play (For any babywise mom readers out there, it is perfect for blanket time). We keep it out in our living room and each day she asks for the "pink wow towel!" The morning after we opened out box, her first word was "Wow Towel" ... not mama, not hi, not good morning. I know it made a lasting impression on her. She loves playing Connect Four with Nate while they both are relaxing on it.

Connect Four is one of Sophia's favorite games right now ...

Todd ensures his customers will be extremely pleased with the product and delivers excellent customer service. If you order a WOW towel, you will receive 2-day Fed-Ex home delivery! He is always available via email and phone to discuss the product and any questions you might have! He is also socially minded donating $5 from each pink towel sold to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition! For each WOW towel sold, he is donating $5 towards the creation of entrepreneurs! The average entrepreneur creates 10 jobs, which in turn grows the economy and way of life!

Todd has many awesome products in the pipeline to make your beach experience complete! He is working on an over the shoulder strap to free up hands for your children or beach umbrella’s! He also is working on a solar umbrella that is 7 foot and will block the vast majority of the harmful ultra-violet A and B rays.

With their inventive strap, it is easier than ever to carry your 30 lb child, umbrella, and wow towel!

Since the WOW towel is big enough for the whole family, you don't have to bring individual towels for everyone!

A picture of my system ...

Up close picture of the clip ... see it is quality so you know it won't break nor come undone!

Head on over to the WOW towel blog and check out the picture gallery. You will find real, unphotshopped images of real people enjoying spending time with each other on the WOW towel! See how large the WOW towel truly is while in action on the beach! Can’t you just see yourself now on your own WOW towel, with your favorite college (Go Butler!) or favorite sports team (Go Colts!) logo on the pockets? If you were a family of four, you could have each person’s name on a pocket of the WOW towel. This way each family member will have their own spot to place their cell phone, blackberry, or iPod!

Can you see Todd’s vision for this towel: FAMILY TOGETHERNESS creates amazing family memories! It is hard to create memory through a text or Facebook!! Put those cell phones away and have real interactions with the ones you love!

This giveaway is open to the U.S. and will end on Sunday December 26, 2010 at midnight. The winner will be drawn via random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be drawn. Please, no PO Boxes.

Disclaimer: I received this product free of charge. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not monetarily compensated for this review.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

We are always looking for fun, yet economical outings with Sophia! I saw an ad in my IndyMom's Magazine for the exhibit Jingle Rails: Great Western Adventure at the Eiteljorg Museum and thought it sounded great! I found $2/off coupons and the kids under 4 are free!

We packed up the van full of Beards and Longs and headed downtown to see the "Choo-Choo's" (as the girls call it!) It was an awesome exhibit, totally worth the $6 admission! The intricate details the artists put into the sets blew us away! (You can see what I mean by the videos below!)

The girls had a blast! They were mesmerized by all of the model trains! Sophia kept saying "train coming, more train, waiting for choo-choo mama!" They both really enjoyed watching the trains go in and out of the tunnels!!

If you live near or in Indy, it is a must see! Visit here for a coupon ...

The museum’s Clowes Sculpture Court will be transformed into a locomotive wonderland, a network of trestles, bridges and tunnels with chugging trains and detailed replicas of national treasures, all wrapped up in holiday trimming. JingleRails will be a journey to the Great American West – the real West and the West of the imagination.

Watch and explore as you walk through the exhibit - five trains wind past the local treasures of downtown Indianapolis, including the Eiteljorg Museum, Monument Circle and Union Station, through the national parks of the American West, passing legendary sites, including grand railway lodges, Northwest Coast Native villages, and wonders both natural and human-made—Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite Falls, Old Faithful and more.

Every canyon and mesa, every lodge and geyser even the replica of Indianapolis’ own Monument Circle—are made with natural materials by Paul Busse and his company Applied Imagination. Busse’s inventive holiday creations are rare and only seen in cities like New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C….and now Indianapolis.